Learn to Save Water and Be More Green at a Free, Solar and Sustainability Tour, October 26 & 27

October 24, 2013

As we say here at Water – Use It Wisely, There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you. Everything from our personal habits to how we live, work and play can impact our water use. But, very likely, most of our water use is at home, both indoors and out.

Check out Water-Saving Tip #41: Look for WaterSense labeled toilets, sink faucets, urinals and showerheads.

What does the WaterSense label mean when you see it on a product? It helps consumers to identify products and services that use less water, while performing as well or better than conventional models (the labeling program is similar to the Energy Star labeling that highlights energy efficient products). And speaking of energy, some of these products will save you watts and drops (and don’t forget money). A WaterSense showerhead, for example, will use no more than 2 gallons of water per minute (gpm) whereas a standard showerheads use 2.5 gpm or more. So just by installing a WaterSense showerhead, an average family could save 2,900 gallons per year and 370 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. And with that simple act, you’ve made a step to be more green at home.

SolarPanelsOther great water saving ideas include rainwater harvesting, WaterSense labeled toilets, Xeriscape landscaping and more. If you want to take a look at how to incorporate some of these ‘green’ or sustainable practices in your home, you’re in luck. This weekend is the Valley of the Sun Tour of Solar and Sustainable Buildings taking place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This FREE, self-guided tour allows you to visit valley homes and buildings exemplifying the best in living in the desert environment – with passive and active solar and renewable energy technologies; Green building techniques, materials, and products; and sustainable building and site practices. The Tour Guide with addresses and directions can be found at azsolarcenter.org.


Donna DiFrancesco is a Conservation Specialist with the City of Mesa, AZ. The City of Mesa is one of fifteen Water – Use It Wisely partners to offer water-saving advice and programs.

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